Nyiragongo Volcano

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Nyiragongo Volcano Eruptions | John SeachDemocratic Republic of Congo

2016 Activity
Active lava lake continues at the summit of Nyiragongo volcano in January 2016.
A second lava lake appeared in the summit crater in March 2016.

2013 Eruptions
Nyiragongo remains active in January 2013 with satellite images showing hotspots over the volcano, and sulphur dioxide plumes. An lava lake remains active in the summit crater.

19th April 2009 Update
An increase in volcanic seismic activity has been detected at Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since January 2009, recurrent seismic swarms have been detected at Rusayo seismic station. The volcanic earthquakes have come mainly from Nyiragongo volcano, which contains an active lava lake. According to a report by scientists from the volcano observatory in Goma the same signs that preceded the 1977 and 2002 eruptions have been identified. The North-Kivu section of the DRC’s Red Cross has set up an emergency team to monitor the situation, by updating the contingency plan with regards to volcano eruptions, sensitizing populations and putting logistic means at their disposal, identifying sites for the displaced, and updating the warning system and plan of evacuation of populations. A meeting was organized between Goma and Gisenyi (Rwanda) branches to prepare coordinated operations. Since 7th April, 2009 the DRC’s Red Cross, under the coordination of the Federation, has launched joint operations of preparation and monitoring for two months in collaboration with the Red Cross, in order to mitigate the effects of lava flowing to high risk cities. This operation is expected to be implemented over 2 months, and will be completed by 2nd June 2009.

2002 EruptionA fissure eruption began at Nyiragongo volcano on 17th January 2002. Multiple lava flows entered the town of Goma, 18 km south of the volcano. A system of fractures opened up on the volcano and extended down to Lake Kivu. 147 people were killed, 60,000 people lost homes, and up to 500,000 were evacuated. Lava flows reached Lake Kivu. Draining of lava from the eruption caused a 600 m collapse of the inner crater. 100 earthquakes greater than magnitude 3.5 were recorded near the volcano, beginning 9 hours after the eruption. The earthquakes were measured on instruments as far away as China and the South Pole, Antarctica. Earthquakes were felt by residents of Kigali, Rwanda. On October 24, 2002 a magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit 56 km SW of Nyiragongo volcano. This was the largest earthquake in the region in 30 years.Full description of 2002 eruption...

1982
Lava lake activity resumed at summit on 7th July, following lava fountaining in the crater 12 days earlier.

1927-1977
Long active lava lake. On 10th January 1977 the lava lake began to drain through a series of flank fissures. The lava flowed at a record speed of 60 km/hr. The lava flows were mostly pahoehoe, but changed to aa near the end. About 70 people were killed and 800 left homeless. Five days before the eruption, the lava lake had risen to its highest recorded level. The lava lake took only seven hours to drain.Description of 1977 eruption...